MSL 215 - From Corporate to Solopreneur: Building a Business on Authentic Relationships with Stevie Johns
In this episode, I catch up with Stevie Johns, founder of Inkwell Mgmt. Stevie shares her personal story of leaving a corporate career to start her own boutique speaker management agency, and how she grew her roster from three to eighteen speakers in her very first year. We talk about the importance of building authentic, heart-driven relationships and how that’s been the foundation of her business.
Stevie opens up about the fears and uncertainties of going solo, including the financial risks and emotional ups and downs. She explains why she invested in support early on and how flexibility and learning from each client shaped her systems. Most importantly, Stevie offers direct advice for anyone launching a solo business:
Start today—take even small steps to move forward
Make self-care a priority so you can show up fully for your business.
Focus on genuine relationships, not just selling.
Stay true to your values and be willing to adapt as you go
If you’re thinking about starting your own business or are in your early years as a solopreneur, this episode is packed with honest insights and actionable advice from someone who’s right in the thick of it.
